cannibalize

[ kan-uh-buh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, can·ni·bal·ized, can·ni·bal·iz·ing.

1. to subject to cannibalism.
2. to remove parts, equipment, assets, employees, etc., from (an item, product, or business) in order to use them in another:

   to cannibalize old airplanes for replacement parts.

3. to cut into; cause to become reduced; diminish:

   New products introduced in the next six months will cannibalize sales from established lines.

verb (used without object)

, can·ni·bal·ized, can·ni·bal·iz·ing.

1. to act cannibalistically; practice cannibalism.

cannibalize

/ ˈkænɪbəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. tr to use (serviceable parts from one machine or vehicle) to repair another, esp as an alternative to using new parts

Derived Forms

• ˌcannibaliˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• canni·bal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cannibalize¹

First recorded in 1940–45; cannibal + -ize

Example Sentences

“Dune: Prophecy” continues HBO’s thematic streak of examining human nature from the heights of wealth and influence, assuming its audience gleans joy from watching the rich cannibalize each other.

From Salon

They lived in mutual suspicion for months, until one ruthlessly cannibalized the other in the night.

From Los Angeles Times

For a while, the segment was a bright spot for the company as streaming lost billions of dollars while cannibalizing its cable networks and theatrical movie releases.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching the Democrats cannibalize themselves while running around like zombies with their hair on fire is cringe-worthy entertainment but not surprising.

From Salon

“He’s cannibalizing the Republican party so he can go to Congress,” said Kelly Maher, a veteran GOP operative who filed a complaint against Williams with the Federal Elections Commission.

From Seattle Times